Short and Sweet

With Pinterest and all of the great ideas on social media, sometimes we get sooo excited in the delivery that we can sometimes forget about the meaning. I am only saying this because I have been caught up in this.

Sometimes, it is the short and sweet things that you can get so much from. I have some kiddos I have been seeing and I needed a quick activity that was a bit hands on so it wasn't pure writing. I gave them some color paper, scissors, a sheet of paper with boxes to cut out, and glue. It was an easy task!

Let me just say that when I went back to read it I noticed that there was some super deep information and also just fun facts that helped me know them a little better. I would definitely suggest this if you need an activity for a small group or maybe a student who doesn't want to talk.

The next thing seems silly because it's a no brainer. I forgot about the power of a handwritten note. I had some students that were tough. I didn't know how to get through to them. I knew they probably hadn't heard many words of encouragement from an adult that didn't seem so generic so I thought I would write them handwritten notes. My relationship with one of them completely turned around from one word answers and a little attitude to telling me I was like a mom they never had. Tears...y'all. Am I saying I did anything great? No way. Silly me forgot what it means to slow down and look at the kid and who they are. So often we get caught up in the day to day duties that we forget to look at what our kids truly need and sometimes it can be something so simple.

 I hope you are able to use these quick little ideas. What are some of your easy, go to activities??? I would love to see them! Feel free to share in the comments below!

Counselor Q&A: Part 1

Hey y'all! I had posted about counselor questions you may have because I had hoped to do a little Q&A. Now, let me first start by saying....I am definitely NOT an expert. I have been a counselor for only 4 years going on 5 and have tons to learn.

I feel like I have some ideas to bring to the table and wanted to help any questions new counselors or interns may have. I know how scary it can be looking for a job and starting your first year. Being a counselor can be a scary job because we are a big part of our students' lives but it sure can be the most rewarding job! I broke this up into two parts because I wanted to be able to give thorough and hopefully helpful answers. So let's start!  These are some questions that sweet counselors sent in!


I am going to be interning at a middle school in the fall. I love doing small groups, but they are not done often at this school. My supervisor says I am welcome to give them a try. I have experience with groups at the elementary school. Do you have any tips/ideas/resources for groups at the middle school level?


Great question!! I had to figure this out, as well, this year. I moved from elementary to middle school and did tons of elementary small groups (12 to be exact) but was clueless as to how I would run them at the middle school level. With different lunches, CAIN time (student support after lunch), and different periods I was a bit overwhelmed at first but then I tried to get creative. 

I emailed teachers a couple of weeks after school had started (I think the 2nd six weeks) to ask who may benefit from some of the groups I was going to start (based on the needs of some kiddos I had already met with).  From there I looked up each of their lunches and created a chart to see if I had any common kiddos at specific lunches for specific topics. From that, I was able to do lunch bunch small groups similar to what I did in elementary. 

In regards to resources, I usually kept it simple. I did, however, use this book a lot. 

You can find it on Amazon HERE!

I also used a lot of music for "free writing" activities, journals for coping skills, paper and markers for writing goals, and I also loved looking up fun icebreaker, team building activities online.

Ultimate Camp Resource had a lot of neat ideas for icebreakers. You can find the site HERE. With my students, I noticed they enjoyed team building and just talking more than anything!! I just tried to see the needs of the group and the vibe the first meeting and that helped me to plan for future sessions.



Any suggestions on how to make yourself stand out when applying places!? I have just finished a year leave replacement and am now looking for a new position.

This may be corny...but I think being yourself is the key to standing out. Focusing in on your talents and letting a glimpse of that show in your interview really sets you apart. At the same time, it's also important to understand that not only do you want a job....but you probably want to be at a campus where you are the right fit. When I applied for elementary positions, I knew that I was going to be flexible and adapt but luckily the principal that hired me wanted someone creative, positive, and upbeat! When I went into my interview, I created a not so traditional resume that was fun and highlighted my strengths. Note: I also brought my regular resume.
Here is an example of what I gave them as a way to see how I enjoyed being creative.

 I think letting them see your passion shine through and being genuine makes a big difference!!! I also think dressing professionally is so important. I have sat in on many interviews and helped out at job fairs and there have been times I was either shocked by how short a skirt was or how low cut a shirt was or how it seemed like they didn't try at all and just threw on something. I am in no way judging or saying looks matter but if you are wanting to obtain a job and work with kids, dressing professionally is important. Professionalism is so important! Now, have I gotten every job I applied for? No... but I remember thinking that I will be put where I am supposed to be and that gave me a sense of peace about it all. I know it can be heartbreaking and stressful and put you on a roller coaster of emotions but just be yourself and know that you will end up where you're meant to be!! Good luck!!! : )


Starting out as a fresh new school counselor: Any tips on some must haves I should have in my tool box?

 I think no matter what grade level you have, there are some simple, budget friendly essentials.

#1 Paper and markers
It's amazing what some markers, paper, and prompts can do. At my last school, we had a lot of students that did not speak English. We had refugees from around the world and when I had them come to me, I was so thankful for paper and markers because somehow we could communicate with pictures. It was amazing. 
There are so many activities you can do with those basics. For elementary, it may be drawing how you feel or drawing something that scares you. For middle school, it may be writing down goals or drawing/writing how you feel when people call you names, etc.

#2 Stress ball or something students can "fiddle" with
Sometimes I have students who truly need to see me but feel so awkward. That is when a stress ball or a squishy ball comes in handy. They may want to talk it out but have something to "fiddle" with to possibly avoid eye contact or use it as a way to distract their nervousness. I am actually on the look out for more items like this!! 

#3 A laptop/technology
A laptop or ipad is a must have! Whether it is to play a song to reflect on in group or a video for students, or a way to access college info...a laptop or computer is a must for any counseling program. 

#4 A Planner
Being organized is one of the biggest qualities a school counselor must possess. As counselors we wear many hats and having a planner or electronic way to keep it all together is an absolute must!!

#5 Books
For elementary, I had a lot of books that I frequently used in my guidance lessons and even small group (Ex: Julia Cooke books). For middle school, I would love to do a book study or integrate more literature into lessons but even they sometimes love the younger kids' books. I remember reading Oh the Places You'll Go and then creating goals and plans of action!! They loved it!!

I would say we could add so many items to this like puppets, printables on the wall, etc but really you can start off with these simple things and do so much!!!


I hope these were helpful and I look forward to the next round of Counselor Q&A's which I will post this week! If you have any more questions, please feel free to email me at melroseacker@yahoo.com or comment below!!

Hey, y'all!!! I'm back!

Wow, it has been a looonngggg time since I have last blogged on here! It has been on my mind and heart but to be honest, I haven't had the motivation. If you know me, I am an extremely motivated, goal oriented person but it has taken awhile to get into the groove of things in my new position. Last year when I started this blog, I had been an elementary counselor going on year 2 and my mind was constantly full of new ideas and things I wanted to start in my counseling program.





And honestly, it has just taken me awhile to get in that place as a middle school counselor. I absolutely love my job, I have just been in "figuring out" mode and I finally am starting to feel comfortable and feel like I understand my expectations. So, I would have to say the past couple of weeks, my head has been spinning with ideas and I have a notebook with crazy sketches and notes of things I want to do. Now I am getting super excited and I can't wait to share it all with you!!!

So, this is what I have been trying to do lately....

With transitions, parent meetings, and other counseling duties...I have been keeping calm and trying to counsel on!!! You can find this printable here for FREE!!!

I have been blessed to have been able to visit with a bunch of new kiddos and this little activity has been a gem. It is so simple, it seems silly...yet, it is so powerful. I think I have only had one kiddo where this activity didn't lead to a great discussion. It's not for everyone. I have some students who will just come in and talk away. I use this for shy students, students who aren't as talkative, or students that I am getting to know.

You can get a copy here for FREE! I wanted to sprinkle y'all with some cheer for School Counseling Week!!

 I have so much more to blog about but I am trying to space it out and blog consistently. So here are two things I will start doing. My "Stylish School Counselor's What To Watch For" which will be a glimpse of topics to come, "Stylish School Counselor Spotlight" which will be an item to add to your style as a stylish school counselor....hehe. Also, I will try to post a "Tech Savvy Resource" every so often. I am excited about this new year and I hope you are too.

Our little family is anxiously awaiting the completion of our new home. We are so excited and ready for our lives to be back to normal. We have been blessed enough to stay with my in-law's for the past 5 months (yes, you read that right) and we sure will miss them but I can't wait to decorate and organize our own home!!! Here is a little glimpse of our soon to be home-sweet-home!

So before I go to catch up on all my fav counseling blogs, let me leave you with the blog's new pieces!!!

These black Moroccan Cutout TOMS are so stinkin' cute that every counselor should have them in their closet. Great for casual Fridays and having to run after kiddos! : ) For $79, they seem a bit pricey but we all know buying TOMS goes towards a great cause! These would be perfect for Spring and would look super stylish with jeans, pants, or dresses!!!
Black Moroccan Cutout TOMS

End of Year Fun!

I am literally counting down the days until summer! Our little family is heading to the beach and then Disney World and I can't contain my excitement. Don't get me wrong, I will totally miss my sweet students! Counseling won't be far from my mind though. I am sure I will be blogging away this summer when I complete all of the pinterest projects I have been saying I will do!!!

This past Monday, we had our awards ceremony. This was my first time to be in charge of it all and I was so stinkin' nervous. Luckily, one of our teacher' aides was awesome enough to help me out because I created, printed, and filled out all the certificates for the teachers. I love our teachers and like to spoil them...haha! Our amazing staff made it a wonderful experience!!! I had a folder for each teacher and me and Ms. K put the awards in alphabetical order. So, basically the teachers just had to come up to the podium and read their awards in order. We also had an amazing program in the Dallas area come out to help give out awards called Heroes, Cops, and Kids. Oh my word, it made it super cool!!! The kids were in awe!!! How cool is it for Batman, Green Lantern, Captain America, and Superman to give you an award?  Here are some pictures of the event:


The awards



All decorated and ready to go....we did a summer fun theme!



I was very safe that day and well protected! Haha!

If you would like your own copy of the awards, you can get them here: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/End-of-Year-Awards-716314
Here is a sneak peek.

I also worked on a calendar for next school year. I don't know about you but I am in love with the Erin Condren planners and you can purchase them now for next year's dates. Yay!! Even though I am crazy about that little bundle of planning goodness, I still like to have a big calendar page to plan out guidance and special events at our school such as Red Ribbon Week, Random Acts of Kindness, and Bully Free Week. I created a calendar for August 2013-June 2014. I made it with only 5 days so that I could have the maximum amount of space possible. This would also be great for students in an organization group for assignments. You can get yours here: http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/2013-2014-Calendar-717126

And don't forget to order your Erin Condren planner here: http://www.erincondren.com/store/

And of course, I want to leave you with a little freebie. I don't ever want to seem like my blog is just an advertisement for my TPT store! I want to make sure you always walk away from my blog with either an idea or something you can use in your counseling program. This summer I hope to have A WHOLE LOTTA' resources that are free or things you can make and use!!

I use this check in scale bunches!!! Anytime, I see one of my regular kiddos they always know to check in because it is usually our springboard for our conversation. I even use this in groups and the kids will not let me forget to use it...they love it and I think it allows them to feel like they can tell me how they feel and why without them having to bring it up. Love it!!!

You can click here to download your own for FREE!!! http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Check-In-Scale-717486

I hope you all have a great rest of the week and are getting to spend quality time with all of your sweet students!!

So many kiddos...so little time!

I have been so stinkin' busy that I haven't been able to post as much as I would like! Our sweet little boy had the flu and it was pretty bad for awhile but he is all better now! 

Then me and my daughter enjoyed some fun shopping and manicures!

So I am super happy to be back and everyone healthy and things back to normal!

How many of you have oodles of kiddos to see individually? I know that at my campus I do and I am sure most of you do, too!!! With guidance, group counseling, lunch bunch, character council (which I will have in a later post) it can be a bit overwhelming but I love it SO much and as counselors it is a huge part of our job! I have a binder with all my consent forms organized by grade level tabs and from there I have it organized by student's last names. This works so well for me and helps me to see my case load by grade level. I also have a log sheet with the student's name and it has a table and I jot down the dates that I see them. This has come in handy this year!!! I don't keep any notes just dates so I have a record that I am seeing them and when.
I recently made this little form below to help me figure out who I will see and when. I make a weekly schedule which I will post this week but as I am sure you know...our picture perfect schedules don't always work out. So this little life saver helps me plan my individual sessions when things are changing. Here is a blank one for you to check out:

I always use a pencil because it may change when unexpected things pop up. I then highlight their name once I see them and document it in my handy dandy binder. It may seem like a lot of extra work to some people but it works for me. It's like a to do list but for my case load. You can find this freebie at:
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Individual-Counseling-Schedule

Please feel free to share any ideas that work for you on here or on my fb page which you can like by clicking on the left side of this blog!

I am thankfully off for MLK, Jr. and will spend it taking my kiddos to dr. appointments but...get this...counselors are off on Tuesday in my district! Yippee!! So be watching for more freebies and some units/packets to purchase because I hope to work on some on my lil' vacation!

Have a great week!